Internet Explorer 7 & Windows Update Problems

So far only two of my computers (both Windows XP) have Internet Explorer 7 via laptops.

This is when I quickly found out the horrible problem.

Apparently, I can't use the Windows Update function anymore ("Custom" Option) since if I use it, it'll scan on the "Checking for the latest update for your computer..." where it will just hang there somewhat (IE7 hangs while everything else starts moving slowly if you try to access anything else). CPU usage will spike to 99 and will start overheating my laptops (fan will start running nonstop). This is when I generally access the Task Manager to force it to end before my laptop heatup to extreme temperatures.

I tried checking around Microsoft Help, Google, and as well as here but I am unable to find any clues on how to solve this problem (unless I'm using the wrong keywords: internet explorer 7 windows update hang cpu spike)

Of course this problem caused me to decide not to update to IE7 on any other computers and laptops I own.

Anyone have any comments, suggestions to get it working again?

Last, since this is about updates.. is the latest Microsoft Media Player worth upgrading too? I believe it has DRM and other stuff now.. but since I use various codecs (Combined Community Codec Package), I'm afraid MP11 might not work for it or causes problem for videos I make or watch.

Originally I just sticked with MP6 since it didn't have the awful resources usage from the MP7-10 skin and stuff.. but I started using MP7-10 later though.